We may get Shahid Afridi yet

As in the previous one-dayer between South Africa and Pakistan, the team batting first made a ludicrous total and the team batting second never got close.

This time, however, Pakistan batted first and they made 351-4. Younis Khan made 93, Mohammad Yousuf - who, of late, has more runs to his name than he has cells in his body - made 101 not out.

At this point, the opposition captain wouldn't want Shahid Afridi wandering to the crease on an 'on' day. Unfortunately for Graeme Smith, this is exactly what happened. Afridi hit 77 off 35 balls, including six sixes.

We sympathise with Omar as a Pakistan supporter. You never know what you're getting with Afridi and too often you get nothing. However, we're not a Pakistan supporter. We're a Pakistan admirer. Part of the allure is the unexpected and more than anything the potential for outright mayhem.

There is, quite literally, no batsman we would rather watch than Shahid Afridi. A six or the fall of his wicket never seems more than a ball whatever the match situation. He'd been dropped from Pakistan's side recently, but thanks to the odd injury, he's been given an opportunity. We dearly hope that he makes it to the World Cup. It would be a poorer tournament for his absence.

He aided his cause with 3-25 as well, as South Africa were all out for 210.